spiritualty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “spiritualty” mean?
The collective body of clergy and religious persons.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The collective body of clergy and religious persons; the estate, property, or revenue of the Church.
A system of religious or spiritual beliefs; matters pertaining to the soul or spirit as distinguished from material concerns; in historical contexts, refers specifically to ecclesiastical authority or property.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is equally rare in both varieties. British texts may retain it slightly more in historical parliamentary contexts regarding Church of England property.
Connotations
In British historical context, often tied to the 'Lords Spiritual'. In American context, if used, leans slightly more toward abstract 'spiritual quality'.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage in both regions, confined to specialized academic or legal history.
Grammar
How to Use “spiritualty” in a Sentence
the [adjective] spiritualty (of)jurisdiction over (the) spiritualtydistinguish between temporality and spiritualtyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spiritualty” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The spiritualty courts were a distinct branch of medieval law.
American English
- The document outlined the spiritualty responsibilities of the bishop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or legal studies discussing medieval church property or governance.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in ecclesiastical law history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spiritualty”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spiritualty”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spiritualty”
- Using it as a synonym for modern 'spirituality' in personal growth contexts.
- Misspelling as 'spirituality'.
- Assuming it is in common contemporary use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While related, 'spiritualty' is a distinct, archaic term focused on the institutional, legal, and property aspects of the church. 'Spirituality' refers to the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul.
Almost exclusively in academic texts about medieval or early modern European history, church history, or ecclesiastical law. You are very unlikely to encounter it in modern writing or speech.
The direct historical opposite is 'temporality,' which refers to secular possessions, power, and matters, as opposed to those of the church.
It is primarily a noun. In rare, technical usage it might function attributively (e.g., 'spiritualty courts'), but this is not standard in modern English.
The collective body of clergy and religious persons.
Spiritualty is usually formal, historical, ecclesiastical in register.
Spiritualty: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪrɪtʃʊəlti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪrɪtʃʊəlti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lords Temporal and Spiritual (related historical context)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SPIRITual + properTY' – historically concerning the property of the spiritual realm (the Church).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CHURCH IS A LANDOWNER (historical legal metaphor).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'spiritualty' MOST accurately used today?